Western Kentucky University President Gary Ransdell has declined to name WKU a sanctuary campus, which would extend increased protections and support for its undocumented immigrant students, in response to a recent faculty resolution favoring the move.

On Thursday, WKU’s University Senate – which is made up of faculty – voted in favor of declaring WKU a sanctuary campus. It also passed a resolution supporting the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program, an action taken by the Obama administration to offer renewable two-year forbearances in deportation for some undocumented immigrants.

“While I am supportive of the spirit behind the Senate Resolution, I cannot support WKU declaring itself a sanctuary campus, a designation for which there is no legal status,” Ransdell wrote in a response sent Tuesday to Kate Hudepohl, who chairs the University Senate.

“Such a declaration would potentially put WKU at risk with both the state and federal governments and could ultimately endanger financial aid and/or grant funding,” Ransdell wrote. “I am also concerned that doing so would suggest a level of protection to students that the University cannot actually guarantee. WKU, and especially the WKU Police, simply must comply with all state and federal laws. We are an agency of Kentucky state government and must conduct our affairs responsibly.”

Ransdell cited 13 American colleges and universities as declaring themselves sanctuary campuses.

“Most of these are small private colleges without the same level of public accountability that we have at WKU,” he said.

Ransdell concluded by affirming his support for international students.

“My record of embracing our international students speaks for itself,” he said. “We have worked hard over the last 20 years to grow our international student population and to create a welcoming environment for all students. While I understand the symbolic gesture that accepting this resolution may provide, I believe it is more prudent to remain focused on those tangible things that we can do to support students who may be impacted by current or future immigration actions.”

Ransdell also responded to specific provisions within the resolution, the first being that the university “affirms unequivocally that undocumented immigrant students and international students affected by executive orders are full members of the WKU family who will be protected.”

“First, and foremost, we will do everything in our legitimate authority to protect all of our students,” Ransdell wrote in response.

But Ransdell said the resolution’s second provision is more problematic. That provision states that WKU will not allow Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services “to be present on the university campus for enforcement purposes unless required by a warrant.”

“Provision No. 2 is not possible or prudent,” Ransdell wrote. “WKU cannot interfere if Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and/or US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) have reason or need to investigate a WKU student.”

Another provision stated that WKU would refrain from sharing information about undocumented immigrant students unless required by subpoena, court order or warrant. Ransdell wrote that “WKU would cooperate with a local, state, or federal law enforcement agency investigation but would do so while fulfilling our obligations under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which affords all college and university students specific privacy rights.”

A fourth provision stated WKU will “continue to admit undocumented immigrant students as the law allows” and offer equal access and resources as appropriate.

“WKU accepts students who meet our admission standards,” Ransdell wrote in response. “All enrolled students have access to university resources and services, and all are valued members of the WKU family.”

A final provision states that WKU will provide resources to students and scholars from countries included in President Donald Trump’s recent executive order restricting travel from seven predominantly Muslim countries. They include “access to immigration and legal advising; expanded opportunities to remain on campus throughout their time at WKU; and housing assistance and other resources during break periods.”

Ransdell further responded.

“To the extent it is lawful to do so, WKU will provide resources to support students and scholars adversely affected by the recent Executive Order or subsequent orders,” Ransdell wrote. “I can only commit to providing in-state tuition rates to students who graduate from a Kentucky high school or high schools in our surrounding reciprocity counties. We can provide distance learning options for eligible students to complete their degrees. We will continue to provide our students with housing options throughout their time at WKU, including during holiday breaks and closures. Those seeking legal guidance will be appropriately directed.”

Ransdell also responded to a resolution supporting the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program, which asked Ransdell to sign a statement supporting the program.

“The protection provided by the DACA Executive Order of 2012 remains in full force and represents one of the basic tenets upon which the United States was founded — the opportunity to better oneself and become a productive member of society,” Ransdell wrote in a separate response. “Throughout its history, WKU has been an institution of opportunity, and the DACA Executive Order gives students a chance to improve their lives and their community. In that spirit, I endorse the University Senate resolution supporting the DACA program, and I will take the necessary steps to confirm my support.”